MASS TRANSPORT TOWARD COASTAL REGIONS FROM THE KUROSHIO INVESTIGATED WITH A PARTICLE TRACKING MODEL

Abstract

 This study investigated mass transport processes from the Kuroshio toward coastal regions along the southern area of the Japan mainland using a downscaled oceanic numerical simulator (ROMS) and a particle tracking model. Eddy motions are enhanced in the vicinity of the Izu chain islands and coastal regions in summer. By contrast, in winter, enhaced eddy motions appear in south areas of the Kuroshio. The Kuroshio generates several flow branches due to the Izu-Ogasawara Ridge, which results in a cyclonic eddy in Enshu-nada and transport toward Sagami Bay. Mass transport from the Kuroshioo toward coastal regions are mainly caused by two Kuroshio branches toward (1) Enshu-nada and (2) Sagami Bay. The shoreward transport is much higher in summer than that in winter, since the Kurishio axis is located near the coast in summer. Enhanced eddies in winter contribute to vertical mass transport. The tidal forcing significantly promotes mass transpot toward coastal regions.